Wangaratta hosted the annual Combined Shield on Saturday.

With a format of Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours men’s teams from Wangaratta, Collinsville, BBC, and a combined Wangaratta/BBC ladies team played for the trophy.

Over the day there were a lot of great bowls played.

With three match wins and an aggregate of 65 the combined Wangaratta/BBC ladies were the victors. Wangaratta men came in second with BBC third and Collinsville fourth. Thanks to Wangaratta club and all the organisers for a great day.

BBC will host the event next year.

Winners for Monday afternoon triples E Dunn, D Bradeley, and F Farrugia defeated M Elphinstone, I Wheeler, R Stitt.

On Tuesday, winners were R Mumby, M Kilkenny, and P Warren defeated M Elphinstone, J Breakwell, and M Loughead.

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were L Knight, M Terry, and M Chappell defeated C Bellingham, A Learson, B Bellingham.

M Hyde, and P Madden defeated S Pearson and R Mumby.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 3. They were L Suann, R Stitt, and F Duncan who defeated J Brunt, L Knight, and J Reimann.

Club Competition: Single Sets R Stitt defeated L Wilson, G Colquhoun defeated D Wallace.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.                                                                                                  

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Combined Shield Winners Wangaratta/BBC Ladies. Photo supplied

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Round 19 came to a conclusion today at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, when Dom Friend and Art McMinn went head-to-head for the last time this season.

Dom, who picked up a bad knee injury during the week, was able to put that to one side on the day and play some strong darts.

Art too has been playing well of late, but just couldn’t get enough going consistently in the scoring department to cause Dom enough problems.

After Dom took a 5/1 lead, the writing was on the wall for Art, with Dom winning the match comfortably, 7/2.

That brings us to the 2023 finals series.

In the 1st qualifying final, we had 2nd place Joe Wilson taking on 3rd place Dom Friend. The averages were in the mid to high 50’s range in this contest, with Joe also hitting a lovely 177 along the way.

The defending champion was able to put that injury out of his mind all day to keep his chances of back-to-back titles well and truly alive.

Dom advances straight to the preliminary final in 3 weeks’ time, whereas Joe will have another crack at it in 2 weeks’ time in the Semi Finals.  

Which takes me to the next match of the day. The 1st of 2 elimination finals between Gary Robbie and Art McMinn.

Art dug deep to make a game of it, but his efforts were in vain, as he succumbed in the end to an 8/4 defeat.

The last game of the day was the 2nd elimination final between Andy Peel and Kameron Reason. Both players were evenly matched in this one, the difference being the finishing.

Andy’s had his struggles in this department all year, and his woes continued here against Kam, who finished his Premier League season strongly.

Thank you to our sponsored Mika Airlie Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Gary Robbie and Art McMinn in action. Photos supplied

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is hosting two more free Tackle and Baitrigging Workshops and everybody is welcome to come along.  

The first is on Tuesday, 5 September at the Marine Club (home to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club and V.M.R) in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale from 6pm.

The first workshop will deal mainly with tying good knots, making of wind-on leaders, tackle set-up, drag settings and an in-depth look at lure fishing for pelagics, such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, mackerel, GT,s etc.

A demonstration of lure types, how to rig and present them to maximise your chances of success, will also be discussed.

The second night is on Friday, 13 October (lucky Friday) at the Marine Club from 6pm.  

This Workshop will demonstrate the rigging of various baits for tempting a wide range of species as well as tackle set up and lure presentation.

The night will also include a discussion on boat handling when the big fish is being played, and proper tagging procedures as well as where and when to target them in Whitsunday waters.  

There will also be lots of helpful hints and tactics very useful to all levels of anglers.

Both evenings should not be missed by any keen fisho, including anglers planning to compete in the upcoming Ben Doolin Builders’ Light Tackle Tournament being held from 19 to 22 October.

Nomination forms for the tournament will be available at both Workshops and will soon be released on-line.  

This fun event is one of the best on the Queensland coast and will be capped this year at 30 teams, due to catering restrictions.  

WHAT: Whitsunday Game Fish Club Tackle and Baitrigging Workshop

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

WHEN: Tuesday, September 5, from 6pm

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Saturday 19 August – Single stableford event sponsored by Tim Warren Auto Aircon & Electrical.  

Ladies’ winner was Joy Hose 39pts, runner up Robyn Slade 37pts.  

Men’s winner on a countback Mark Fox 41pts, runner up Adam Borgh 41pts.  

Pin shots to Jenny Healey, Ros Tilden, Claire Garrod, Ryley Malone, Andrew Need, Phil Smith.  

Sunday 20 August – 18-hole 2 ball ambrose sponsored by Bowen Gold club.  

Winners Brenden Wells & Arthur Fisk 60 nett, runners up Doug & Akeam Power 61 nett.

Saturday 26 August was the Margaret Watson Memorial Day sponsored by the Watson and Garrod families.  

Ladies’ winner Meg Garrod 44pts, 2nd Margaret Need 39pts, 3rd Grace Nott 38pts.  

Mens’s winner 43pts, 2nd Kurt Gaudry 40pts, 3rd Noel Schultz 40pts.  

drives to Vince Hargraves, Dylan Nott, Robyn Slade, Linda Scells.  

OBP’s to Penny Stewart, Meg Garrod, Colin Stewart, Graham Seaborne, and an IBP for Ernie Parker.

This was a fun day.  Thank you to the sponsors.

 Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Marg Watson Memorial

Tim Warren trophy day. Photos supplied

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2023 Club Champions were decided on the weekend.

Trish McNeill and Luke Paroz both successfully defended their titles and are the 2023 Club champions.

Congratulations to all the winners for 2023.

Ladies

Club Champion – Trish McNeill

B Grade Champion – Penny Wardroper

C Grade Champion Ann Gardel

Men

Club Champion – Luke Paroz

B Grade Champion – Daniel O’Donnell

C Grade Champion – Logan Devery

Junior Champion – Levi Holmes

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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Last Tuesday we played our belated August Monthly Medal.  

Another excellent field of 35 players which included 3 guests.

It was a lovely day weather wise.  

Our ladies winner was Tessa Aitken with 70 (a very popular win!!)

Paula McQuat 71 and Jenny Hounsell 73 on a countback from Leanne Alexander and Robyn Whitham all 73.  

For the men it was Phil Luckett with a fantastic score of 66 from Trevor Paroz 71 and Larry Muller 72 on a countback from Ray Close.

Pin shots went to Larry Muller and Phil Luckett on hole 5, Bary Mortimer and John Oates hole 9 Geoff Harrison (in the hole) and Gregg Taylor hole 16.  

Jenny Hounsell and Ray Hull hole 5 Leanne Alexander and Paula McQuat hole 9 Jenny Hounsell (in the hole) and Vickie Wallace hole 16.

Next Tuesday we will be travelling to Collinsville for the Whitsunday Veterans Comp.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Tessa Aitken and Phil Luckett. Photo supplied

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This weeks 9 hole stableford competition saw Edwina Pettiford take the win with 26 pts, second with 25 pts was Moya Bradley and third with 22 pts Josh Quin.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Andrew Gomez in first place with 21 pts, second with 20 pts was Peter Bitz and third with 20 pts David Wallace. Great job guys.

Sunday’s monthly medal was a great turn out with Sean Fogarty taking the win with a 48 net, second saw Ryan Kenny with a 51 net c/b and third Donnivan Pettiford with a 51 net.  Nearest the pin Sean Fogarty and Aivars Paeglis who also scored a hole in one on the 7th hole, great job Aivars.

This Sunday 3rd sept 2023 will be 18 hole stableford tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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The Marian Ladies Bowls Club hosted the Marian Master 4’s last week, culminating in an exciting grand final.  

Held on Monday August 14, with the finals on Wednesday August 16, the Masters were a testament to the ladies strength and determination.

With 16 teams, and only the top four qualifying for the semi-finals on Wednesday morning, and the grand finals on Wednesday afternoon, the competition was heated.

The winners for the Masters was Robyn Deveraux's team of Gail Meng, Val Pilcher, Dealia Walsh and Robyn Deveraux, with Lorraine Lemke, Lesley Baumgarten, Jean Zamparuti and Lorrain Silman coming close in second place.

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The winning team of Dealia Walsh, Robyn Deveraux, Katie Moohin, Gail Meng, and Val Pilcher

Jean Zamparutti, Lorraine Lemke, Katie Moohin, Lorraine Silman and Lesley Baumgarten. Photos supplied

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Schools from Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and Capricornia descended upon Harrup Park last week as it hosted the AFLQ Schools Cup North Queensland Championships.

North Queensland’s up and coming Australian rules football players from Junior, Primary and Secondary male and female divisions battled it out from August 15-16, with the six triumphant schools to compete at State Finals in Maroochydore in October.

It was the first time Mackay hosted the tournament which brought over 1,000 visitors to the region, with AFL Queensland agreeing to bring it back in 2024.

“We absolutely love coming to Mackay,” said AFL Queensland's Participation and Programs Manager - Schools, Inclusion and Diversity, Jeff Neumann

“Mackay Regional Council are great partners of us bringing it here with a really big push to have it here in 2023 and 2024.

“We want to make sure school footy is fully accessible to every student, no matter your location or your total school enrolment.

“The results are a great outcome, but the most important thing is we’re bringing all of these schools together to compete.”

Local schools Mackay West Primary School (Primary Male, Primary Female), St Patrick's College (Junior Female, Senior Female) and Moranbah State High School (Junior Male, Senior Male, Senior Female) all competed, with Moranbah being the most represented school from the region.

“For Moranbah, to have three teams, it’s a big achievement for a state high school 200 kilometres from the coast,” said Moranbah State High School Senior Male Coach Jason McKane.

“We’re a proud club, a lot of kids play footy together, and then school footy gives those kids who don’t play club footy on the weekend a chance to experience AFL and grow the game.”

Moranbah State High School’s Senior Female placed third in their division, while the Senior Male and Junior Male teams placed fourth.

“We had a lot of fun and even though we lost both our games, I reckon all the boys had fun,” said Moranbah State High School Senior Male Captain Harry Malone.

“(Moranbah) is a small club but a lot of people get around it.”

Results

Senior Female

The Cathedral College (Rockhampton) 22 def Ryan Catholic College (Townsville) 21

Senior Male

St Augustine’s College (Cairns) 77 def Chanel College (Gladstone) 23

Junior Female

St Andrew's Catholic College (Cairns) 22 def Emmaus College (Rockhampton) 11

Junior Male

St Augustine’s College (Cairns) 49 def St. Brendan's College (Yeppoon) 48

Primary Female

Farnborough State School 27 def Ryan Catholic College (Townsville) 4

Primary Male

Holy Cross (Cairns) 57 def Mackay West Primary School 0

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club is excited to welcome returning and new Nippers for the upcoming Nippers season, with a Sign On Day this Sunday, August 27.

Come along to the club headquarters on Mackay’s Harbour Beach from 10am to 12pm this Sunday and learn the lifesaving sport of Nippers.

With a series of ‘come and try’ days scheduled for September, this is a great chance to meet the crew and get all the information you need.

Complete with surf education, fitness, and beach skills, these ‘come and try’ mornings are a fantastic chance to give it a go, with the club providing stinger suits, boards, and every other piece of equipment.

“We had a really fun season last year, it was great to see our nippers grow not only in numbers but also in their individual confidence in the surf and with learning about being a lifesaver,” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports.

“Our parent helpers are fantastic as well, getting involved with their children and building our club culture.  It really is a family oriented and welcoming sport.”

For more information about Nippers, contact the Lexie Schiffer, the Junior Activity Coordinator, on juniors@mackayslsc.com.au

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Nippers brings confidence, teamwork and mateship to your children

Mackay Nippers are small in numbers but usually dominate when taking on big clubs.  Harry Madden (front) in the process of taking out the U10 Beach Flags at last year’s Branch Championships. Photos supplied.

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Cape Hillsborough will be a sea of sails when Mackay’s Central Queensland Blokart Club (CQBC) holds its annual regatta from September 8 to 10.

Returning to the sandy flats for the 15th year, the CQBC Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta has become the second biggest blokarting event in Australia, welcoming competitors from Victoria, southeast Queensland, Capricornia, Whitsundays and north Queensland.

With strong links to sailing, blokarting is a rapidly growing sport that involves maneuvering a wind-powered, three-wheeled kart along the hard, sandy expanses of the beach, following similar rules and format to yacht racing.

CQBC President and Founder David Moore grew up sailing yachts in New Zealand and discovered the sport after moving to Mackay and working in waterskiing and catamaran sailing on Brampton Island.

“It’s my love of sailing that put me there,” Mr Moore said.

“As I got older, I was getting a little bit old for getting out on these high-speed yachts.

“Blokarting is what we call armchair sailing; you’re sitting in a seat with a seat belt and helmet on.

“You’ll find a lot of blokarters are retired people because you can still do your sailing, but you can do it without wearing yourself out with old age.”

Competitors will race two configurations of kart - production class and performance class - across four weight divisions for each configuration.

16 races will be held over the weekend, with an accumulation of points to determine the champions.

Operating under Marine Park Permits and Public Liability Insurance, Mr Moore encouraged the public to come along and have a look as he aims to get more people involved in the club.

“The public can bring a chair with them, sit under a gazebo, watch us silly buggers run around the track, be in the shade and have a day out,” he said.

There will also be a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available for purchase, with all money raised going back into the club.

Local blokarters will then travel to Yeppoon in February 2024 where National Titles are being held.

WHAT: CQBC 15th Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta

WHEN: September 8 to 10

WHERE: Cape Hillsborough

This is a free event.

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David Moore founded the Central Queensland Blokart Club 18 years ago. Photo supplied

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The 1.609 kilometre out and back course was held from the beautiful Mackay Marina Breakwater precincts in perfectly cool and sunny running conditions for this year’s annual North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open Magic Mile and the Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile.

All runners were very excited to run the 1609 metres distance on the spectacular breakwater, although not sure if they had time to take in the views in the fast and furious sprint distance event.  

The U13 and U18 Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile entrants raced first with the NQBP Mackay Magic Mile participants let out of the gates when the last junior crossed the finish line.  

U13’s Amelia Dobbin placed 1st ahead of Peppa Burchill, whilst in the boys, Aziel Dobbin claimed gold ahead of Hughie Bishop (2nd) and Duke Burchill (3rd).  

U18 girls had a scorching race with Abi Sweeney snatching first ahead of Lily Leven with Millie Bishop collecting bronze.  

The U18 male was also a sizzling affair with Toby Rule taking the top podium place ahead of very fast finishing Jarrod Mackie (2nd) and Luke Leven (3rd).  

The NQBP Open Magic Mile was a sprint from the start, with all runners vying for top prizes from local Marina businesses as well as valuable club championship points.  

The home straight saw an exciting sprint finish as Oliver Rule led from the bend in pole position, however, Angus Jacobs dug deep to outpace the youngster in the final 100 metres, desperately lunging across the finish line to claim victory.  

Nick Rewald had an amazing race behind the duo claiming third ahead of the quality field.

A welcome return to local racing was Demi Caldwell who had a sensational run to be rewarded with the top prize ahead of a gutsy effort by Alana Knesevic and newbie on the block, Greta Petersen.

The coveted Magic Mile Milo Award was presented to Jen White who enjoyed one of her best runs with the club since she became involved this year.  

This Sunday’s Sladie Sand Dunes trail run also doubles as a Pre Father’s Day weekend run, commencing at 7am from the Lamberts Beach playground.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile off and running at the Mackay Marina Breakwater

Open male and female NQBP Mackay Magic Mile awardees, Alana Knesevic (2nd), Oliver Rule (2nd), Mackay Road Runners Club Patron Mr Col Meng, Angus Jacobs (1st), Nick Rewald (3rd), Greta Petersen (3rd) and Demi Caldwell (1st). Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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The Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters had local fans cheering as they played out their last game of the 2023 season, achieving their first win at home for the season.

The beleaguered side secured their third win of the season, joining round 22 opponents Western Clydesdales on 10 premiership points and finishing the season 14th on the ladder.

In the first clash between the two sides since the Clydesdales returned to the state competition, the Toowoomba-based visitors drew first blood in the fourth minute before Cutters’ winger Walter Lauenstein scored a quickfire double to open the home side’s account.

A short kick off got the Clydesdales immediately back in the game, but a 28th minute try to interchange player Brandon Russell saw the Cutters hit the sheds with a 16-12 lead.

The home side then turned it on in the second half, showing the home crowd what they’re capable with tries to Kobe Bone in the 45th minute, Rayden Burns in the 67th and Bayley Gill in the 70th.

A consolation try to Clydesdales winger Jerome Taulaga came in the 74th minute before Cutters five-eighth fittingly put the icing on the cake, getting the crowd to their feet with a 77th minute try.

Five out of seven conversions for Brandon Finnegan saw the Mackay Cutters defeat the Western Clydesdales 38-18.

Earlier in the day, a huge second half comeback resulted in a thrilling two-point win for the Hastings Deering Colts Cutters again taking on the Western Clydesdales.

The see-sawing affair opened with a first minute try to Cutters hooker Seth McGilvray, before the visitors piled on three first half tries to finish 4-16 at the break.

The Cutters then crawled their way back into the contest with second half tries to Corey Shepherd, Kane Simon, Tyrese Parter and Liam Doherty.

With the lead changing back and forth, the Clydesdales five-eighth Nicholas Carrie secured a second half double, including a 75th minute try that had the scores at 28-26 with a kick to come.

Kai Duggan was unable to add the extras, the visitors falling two points short at full time.

The Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters finished the 2023 season on 17 competition points, placing ninth on the ladder and falling agonisingly short of playing finals.

Both teams have already made key recruitments ahead of the 2024 season, including the signing of experienced international Mahe Fonua.

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Saturday saw wins to both the Hastings Deering Colts and Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters sides. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Founders Teams Winners

After three weeks of fierce competition between eight teams with a minimum of four players, each playing with a different partner each week, Team Conroy has taken first place. Team Conroy consisted of Janelle Conroy, France Brown, Janet Hansen & Alan Brown.

Weekly Results

Monday 14 August 2023 – ANNE HIRD MEMORIAL TROPHY Week 2 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Diane Stokes / Debra Goodchild 1st Ian Gaskell / Edward Kleise

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Anne Lutz 2nd Joy Block / Monica Darley

3rd Jewel Schmidt / Nancy Martin 3rd Faye Wright / Mary Cruickshank

Tuesday 15 August 2023 Evening - 3 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Pts

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

2nd Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

3rd Alan Brown / Susan Gibson

Wednesday 16 August 2023 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Don Poole 1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild 2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Evening 17 August 2023 - 6 Table One Winner

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

Friday 18 August 2023 – NWP 16 of 23 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

Saturday 19 August 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Faye Wright 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Patricia Garner

Contributed by Joy Block

Janelle Conroy, Alan Brown, Frances Brown and Janet Hansen. Photo supplied

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Albert Wicks, 93, is Mackay Bowls Club’s oldest active member. Albert regularly plays social Triples on Tuesday using his original bowls with only a walking stick for balance.

Besides being a past committee member, Albert’s pervious bowling achievements include Club Pairs and Triples Championships, Senior Singles Champion as well as District Finalist in Pairs and Triples. Alberts experience and knowledge is invaluable for all bowlers, especially at Annual General Meetings.

Ross Dunstan competed in Men's Champion of Champions at North Mackay last weekend, giving it his best.

The Cattle Creek Shield will be played this weekend at Marian and Gargett Clubs.

Team 1: T Mayfield, B Crocker, R Casey, J Smith.

Team 2: N Wilson, G Edmonds, C Marks, P Carter.

Team 3: R Dunstan, R Blanchard, B Robertson, B Jenner.

Team 4: B Bridger, E Roberts, A Gibson, T Hollows.

Tuesday Bowls welcomed visitors Carol and Hugh from Port Pirie, Colin from Bendigo and Ned from Ballarat joining local bowlers.

Winner of Winners: Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe.

Winner of Losers: Julie Caban, Karina Dunn, Marie Mayfield.

Thursday Scroungers: Carol Savage def Mike Irving, Geoff Jolley.

Friday Social Play

Winners: Kirstine Robinson, Janice Nelson.

Runners Up: Peter Nelson, Erin Clements.

Close games were witnessed in Club Championships last weekend, continuing this weekend with Ladies Consistency Singles being played on Friday Afternoon; Ladies 2 Bowl Triples on Saturday Afternoon; Ladies U/65 Singles Sunday Morning; and Ladies 2 Bowl Triples, Men's Open Triples and Men's B Pairs on Sunday Afternoon.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Bowler Albert Wicks proves age is no barrier at 93 years old. Photo credit: Mike Irving

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